Imperial Porcelain

The Imperial Porcelain Factory was founded in 1744 by Empress Elizabeth I to “serve native trade and art.” It is Russia’s first porcelain manufacturer, and the third to be established in Europe. The Imperial Family members were the exclusive patrons of the porcelain factory until 1917 when the Russian Empire ceased to exist, after the Bolshevik Revolution. At that point, the Imperial Porcelain Factory was renamed to Lomonosov Porcelain Factory by the Soviets and its products finally became available to everyone else in the country. The company’s original name of Imperial Porcelain Factory was returned to it in 2005, after the majority of its stockholders voted in favor of this change, though its products are still often referred to as Lomonosov china.

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History of Imperial Porcelain

The Imperial Porcelain Factory was founded in 1744 by Empress Elizabeth I. It is the first and the largest enterprise of artistic porcelain production in Russia. The Imperial Family members were the exclusive patrons of the porcelain factory until 1917 when the Russian Empire ceased to exist, after the bloodbath of the Bolshevik Revolution. At that point, the Imperial Porcelain Factory was renamed to Lomonosov Porcelain Factory by the Soviets and its products finally became available to everyone else in the country. The company’s original name of Imperial Porcelain Factory was returned to it in 2005, after the majority of its stockholders voted in favor of this change, though its products are still often referred to as Lomonosov china.

The range of Lomonosov porcelain in our store

Examples of the types of lomonosov porcelain products made by the factory include snuff boxes, coffee and tea sets, goblets, porcelain tea cups and saucers, dinner sets, flower vases, sculptures, as well as fine china plates and cups engraved with the coat of arms of the Russian Imperial Court. The porcelain from the imperial period was not only magnificent, but it also exemplified the Russian perceptions of beauty. The rich, decorative shapes were designed with the finest craftsmanship, and were just as elegantly painted with bright, dazzling colors and patterns. Pure gold, derived from melted gold rubles, was then gilded onto the porcelain, enhancing its design and truly distinguishing it as a prized possession for a family to own. The narrative stories that the hand-painted images convey all unite in a cohesive form to showcase the grandiose splendor of Russian culture. During this period, these images featured Ancient Roman and Hellenic motifs because of the Imperial Court’s fascination with Neo-Classical trends. However, as the Empire grew, the Imperial Factory embraced the Russian school of porcelain craftsmanship, producing a series of porcelain figures and statues entitled “The Peoples of Russia” that chronicled the various ethnicities, nationalities and personages of the Russian Empire.

Рrocess of creating fine porcelain

In order to truly understand porcelain’s popularity in Russia, one must first understand the process of crafting fine porcelain. First, porcelain is made by blending clay, quartz and alabaster. It is then heated until it achieves vitreous or glass like qualities. When it is fired at high temperatures, the clay and glaze become fused together, producing authentic porcelain that is slightly translucent, nonporous, and very hardy, making it suitable for a range of applications. After the newly-crafted porcelain is completely cooled down, it is then hand-painted by skilled artists.

Now, everyone has a chance to live like a Tsar or Tsarina in their own home by owning a set of fine Imperial porcelain! For anyone, looking to buy something for the household which is beautifully made and practical, whilst projecting their high class and refined tastes – there’s no doubt that fine Imperial Porcelain is the perfect choice! Our company offers some of the most popular Imperial Porcelain sets, including products painted with the renowned, trademarked “cobalt net” pattern, which consists of hand-painted thin, cobalt blue lines and golden tear-drops. This design was inspired by one of Catherine the Great’s favorite tea sets.

Lomonosov porcelain in St-Petersburg Global Trade House

St-Petersburg Global Trade House and STPgoods.com are dedicated to bringing some of the finest hand-crafted porcelain products directly from the Imperial Porcelain, often still called Lomonosov Porcelalin, Factory in Saint-Petersburg. This seal features the imperial double-headed eagle and the date 1744, along with the words "St. Petersburg" inscribed, as well. We are confident that serious collectors, shoppers with a keen eye for beauty and radiance, as well as those, just looking to buy a real Russian souvenir of magnificent beauty, all will find something absolutely amazing and satisfying in our Imperial Porcelain collection!

Nesting Dolls, Russian Hats and many more gifts, crafts, and souvenirs from the original Russian store.